The History of The Catholic Academy of Stamford

Founded in 2017, The Catholic Academy of Stamford was established as the flagship Catholic school in Stamford, Connecticut, born out of a bold vision to strengthen and unify Catholic education in the community. At the direction of the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, four longstanding parish schools, St. Cecilia, Holy Spirit, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and Trinity Catholic Middle School, were thoughtfully consolidated into one comprehensive Pre Kindergarten through Grade 8 academy, creating a single, vibrant campus dedicated to academic excellence and faith formation.

Located on Newfield Avenue, the Academy was created as a living legacy of Catholic education in Stamford, where students from Pre Kindergarten age three through eighth grade are nurtured spiritually, academically, and socially. From its inaugural school year, The Catholic Academy of Stamford has embraced its commitment to teach as Jesus did, embedding Gospel values of love, service, and community into every aspect of school life.

In its early years, the Academy honored the traditions of its predecessor schools while building a new future marked by personalized learning, faith-centered formation, and a supportive and welcoming environment for families across the region. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a mission rooted in Catholic identity have shaped a strong foundation for academic achievement and character development.

In recent years, The Catholic Academy of Stamford has experienced significant mission driven growth in enrollment, reflecting the confidence families place in its academic excellence, vibrant community, and strong faith formation. Since 2020, the school has welcomed nearly one hundred additional students, representing approximately forty two percent growth across grade levels. This sustained momentum has led to the development of the Saint Carlo Acutis Education Wing, expanding learning spaces while preserving the personal and faith-filled environment that defines the Academy. Today, The Catholic Academy of Stamford stands as a thriving and growing center of Catholic education, positioned to continue forming students in faith, knowledge, and service for years to come.

The Philosophy of The Catholic Academy of Stamford

The community of The Catholic Academy of Stamford believes that our primary purpose is to prepare our students academically and spiritually to become good Christians. We believe that goals or academic excellence must espouse a value system based on Gospel truths and Catholic beliefs. Motivated by a spirit of compassion and charity, students are encouraged to assume leadership roles that will promote truth and justice. The Catholic Academy of Stamford faculty believes that a complete education includes a religious dimension with Christ as the foundation of the entire educational process.

Our philosophy is based on a code of Christian conduct. As disciples of Christ, we exist to nurture our students. This nurturing leads our students to a clearer and more personal understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church. Furthermore, this nurturing promotes a sense of respect within the community while instilling moral and social values which prompt our students to seek and to exercise sound judgment. By adhering to this code, we strive as a community to teach our students to bear witness to Christian beliefs and values.

Job Description

The Head of School for The Catholic Academy of Stamford is the chief administrative officer of the school, and serves as the chief executive of the school’s governing board (Board of Directors) as well as an ex officio non-voting member. The Head of School is a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the Pastor, and the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Head of School is appointed by the Bishop and is accountable for the operations of the school to the Bishop through the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Directors. The Head of School is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Diocese of Bridgeport and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The Head of School pursues continuing education and professional development, and participates in an annual performance review as outlined by the Office of the Superintendent.

General Responsibilities

The Head of School serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrine and moral teachings.
The Head of School is directly responsible for the external affairs of the school, for ensuring sufficient resources, sound fiscal management and financial stability through direct oversight of the business operations, development/advancement, alumnae, community relations and enrollment management activities.
The Head of School ensures the implementation and administration of the academic, educational, co-curricular and spiritual programs of The Catholic Academy of Stamford.
The Head of School promotes the good reputation and values of the school in acting as the primary liaison among the school, the Board of Directors, the Pastor, and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Working collaboratively with the administrative staff, the Head of School ensures that Catholic values permeate the entire curriculum. These Catholic values emphasize the dignity of all students and the sanctity of life. They provide a spiritual basis for all relationships and decision-making.
The Head of School is the chief spokesperson for the school, provides visible, personal leadership to the school community and articulates and promotes the programs to the school community and the external public.

Catholic Identity

Directs the process by which the school arrives at the statement of vision, mission, and philosophy; implements the process by which these are periodically reviewed and evaluated.
Exercises a leadership role in ensuring that the mission, vision and philosophy statements are incorporated into all school planning, programs, policies and activities.
Models a Catholic lifestyle for the school community, is prayerful and faith-filled and committed to personal spiritual growth.
Is loyal to the Catholic Church and accepts its teachings according to its magisterium and as taught in the catechism of the Catholic Church.
Ensures that Catholic teachings, values and traditions are integrated into school policies, procedures and practices.
Develops a working relationship with the host Pastor to enhance the religious experiences of the school community.
Cultivates parent/guardian partnerships to advance the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
Promotes a culture of dignity and respect for each member of the school community.

Institutional Advancement

Participates in leadership activities in the school, the community, and in the Diocese.
Ensures appropriate communications with external constituents regarding the purpose and programs of the school.
Demonstrates the ability to work successfully with diverse institutional stakeholders.
Prepares an annual, comprehensive development/advancement plan for approval by the Board of Directors; implements the plan upon board approval.
Organizes the duties and procedures of the business, advancement, and admissions offices.
Supervises the Annual Fund drives and special fundraising events.
Reviews and evaluates school marketing efforts to ensure the positive image of the school in the local community.
Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that the Bishop, the Superintendent of Schools, the Pastor, faculty, staff, school families and the local community are informed about the school.
Promotes cooperation with the Pastor, local parishes and community groups and assists in the recruitment of students.
Prepares an annual comprehensive enrollment management plan, including admission and retention plans and programs.
Provides leadership in the cultivation and solicitation of benefactors and donors.
Participates in and monitors the school’s alumni relations programs.

School Viability

Works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and acknowledges and supports the work of the Board.
Implements Board policies.
Assists the Board of Directors in developing a strategic, long-range plan to promote the mission of the schools, their Catholic identity, fiscal well-being and ongoing school improvement.
Ensures that the school operates within the strategic, long-range plan and directs assessment of the faithful implementation of the plan.
Ensures that the guidelines established by the Office of Safe Environments of the Diocese of Bridgeport are promulgated, understood and followed by all employees and volunteers at the school.
Hires, supervises, and evaluates all school personnel whose roles support the Head of School’s major areas of responsibility, i.e.: Marketing Director, Finance Director, Advancement Director, and Admissions Director.
Ensures that exit interviews of students, parents, faculty/staff and administrators are conducted.
Develops and implements personnel policies, with the cooperation of Human Resources including performance standards and rules of conduct.
Takes responsibility for the sound stewardship and fiscal integrity of the school.
Prepares the annual school budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and the Business Manager and supervises its implementation.
Implements Diocesan and local financial policies and procedures for the collection and disbursement of school funds.
Monitors tuition assistance and scholarship programs.
Maintains overall responsibility for the school’s legal compliance.
Ensures the maintenance and safety of the school plant according to local, state, diocesan and Office of the Superintendent policies, procedures and directives.
Develops and implements rules and procedures to protect school facilities and property against unauthorized use, abuse, damage and theft.
Directs and oversees the completion of capital improvement projects, purchase of capital equipment and facilities management.

To Apply

Given the desire for the Head of School to be in place well before the start of the new 2026-2027 academic year, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials immediately, but no later than April 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically as separate documents (preferably as PDFs) the following materials:

Formal cover letter expressing interest in the position and aligning your skills and experiences with the leadership needs of The Catholic Academy of Stamford, as stipulated above;
Current curriculum vitae or resume with all appropriate dates;
Brief statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice;
List of at least five references with name, title, phone number and email address of each (references will not be contacted until a serious mutual interest is established, and not without the candidate’s permission).

Please view the complete prospectus at: https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/job/head-of-school-the-catholic-academy-of-stamford and click on Job Description PDF file listed at the bottom of that page.

All materials should be addressed to Stacie Stueber, Superintendent of Schools, and emailed to Sharon Luciano, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, atSharon.Luciano@diobpt.orgwith the subject lineCatholic Academy Head of School.

The Catholic Academy of Stamford

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